Gloria Kates recently qualified to run for the District A seat on the Bogalusa City Council.

“As long as God gives me strength and guidance, I have always made every attempt to help and assist residents in the city of Bogalusa,” her announcement reads in part.

“Bogalusa is now considered home to me, and I want to continue to make a difference in District A by serving as your public servant. I am excited about this opportunity, and I look forward to our partnership to enhance our community.”

Kates says she has an honest interest in transforming and empowering the entire community.

Kates is married to Thomas D. Kates and the daughter of deceased Rev. C.E. and Pearlena Williams and daughter-in-law of the late Thomas M. and Gussie Mae Kates.

She is a federal civil servant retiree and has federal sector experience working for the Department of Homeland Security as a travel manager, Equal Rights officer, Civil Rights officer, and EEO assistant and conducted the Special Emphasis Observance programs and Diversity projects. She also worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a human resources specialist, supervisor of customer service, finance, mail processing and vehicle operations. She also served as the USPS Diversity and Affirmative Action Committee chairperson and facilitated an extensive variety of special emphasis projects. Her other federal positions include program assistant for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; U.S. Army, Fort Jackson, S.C. (active); U.S. Army, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C. (reserve) administrative specialist; Special Campaign Task Force of the 42nd president; and a political laborer. She also served as a state social service general and social service caseworker.

In the private and local sector, Kates was employed at Service Zone Inc. as an employment manager and IT technical support technician. She also has been an entrepreneur in areas of production/consulting in partnership with her spouse.

Kates is a published songwriter and poetess and Gospel recording artist. She was recently recruited and volunteered for the City of Bogalusa Housing Authority’s on-call hearing officer. This position may be relinquished if she is elected as councilwoman of District A.

She is a disabled American veteran, having served in the U.S. armed forces.

Kates holds a master’s degree in business administration from Lindenwood University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Criminal Justice from University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

She has held membership in the United Way Board of Directors in Bogalusa; the National Black MBA Association; and Federally Employed Women. She is an at-large member of Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and received various awards throughout her federal career, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal; U.S. Army Meritorious Service Award; USPS – Honoring Those Who Serve Recipient; EEOC Leadership Award from the Federal Executive Board (New Orleans region); and a 20-year Federal Service Award from Admin. W. Craig Fugate, DHS-FEMA-Washington, D.C.

“Please help me to build our district by contributing your time and support to my candidacy.” Said Kates.